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This region is internationally renowned for the man-made Broads, a National Park of over 125 miles of navigable, lock-free waterways with incredible wildlife, set in beautiful countryside, and studded with charming, picturesque towns and villages.
Yes, you read that correctly – man-made. The Broads, large lakes linked by rivers, are actually inundated medieval peat diggings from when the wool trade made this area one of the most prosperous in the country.
The Broads National Park can be explored by boat, cycle or on foot.
The peat was dug, made into bricks, turves, dried and used as fuel after forests – and their firewood – were cleared away to make more space for sheep. The word field is from the German feld, literally meaning felled trees.
Postcards sold at Wroxham show the breadth of scenery in the Broads National Park.
Getting around
The best way to appreciate the area is by boat. There are short tours from Wroxham or you can hire a day boat to drive yourself (many have galleys and toilets and even heating for colder days). You can even stay on a boat for your holiday and moor up at a different place every night. Don’t worry if you’ve never been on a boating holiday before, welcoming staff can help show you the ropes if you’re new to the water.
There are plenty of land-based options too, with walking and cycling trails a plenty. There’s even a steam train from Wroxham to the market town of Aylsham.
St Benet’s Abbey is one of the many ecclesiastical ruins found in the Broads.
Don’t miss
From ancient monuments such as St Benet’s Abbey, to the iconic drainage mills dotted throughout the landscape, there’s a wealth of fascinating culture and heritage to be discovered in the Broads National Park as well as nature reserves, wildlife parks and birdwatching spots.
Climb the church tower at the stunning St Helen’s Church in Ranworth, which was completed in 1450 and where you can take the 89 steps to a breathtaking view for miles at the top.
The Broads is the only National Park in England that is home to a vibrant, modern city, Norwich, with its near-thousand year-old Cathedral and Castle.
There are picturesque traditional pubs across the Broads, including The Fur & Feather, the brewery tap of Woodforde’s.
Discover the taste
Take a brewery tour at Woodforde’s of Woodbastwick before enjoying one of their giant homemade Yorkshire puddings with slow-cooked local game, ale gravy and mashed potatoes. Or how about a pint of beer sitting outside a characterful riverside pub, watching the sailing boats go by.
The Broads is still home to traditional sailing boats.
Live like a local
Why not time your visit to take in the annual Three Rivers Race in early June. This is a spectator sport you won’t have come across before. The race course covers over 50 miles, starting and finishing at Horning Sailing Club and comprises, of course, three rivers, the Bure, Ant and Thurne, and three bridges at Potter Heigham and Acle. The lowering of masts is the ultimate test of skill and makes for fantastic viewing throughout the race.
From their individual start each competitor has up to 24 hours to complete the course. Many sail through the night and return for a full English breakfast some time in the early morning!
Cycling is a great way to get around the Broads.
Or how about hiring a day boat or canoe at Beccles and wind your way along the river Waveney to The Locks Inn at Geldeston to enjoy live music, local beer and meals at this truly remote riverside community pub. There’s also a Summer river taxi from Beccles Lido (another great way to mix with the locals at this outdoor pool).
Those not keen on travelling by water can try hiring a bike, take a countryside walk, or arrive by car or bus (with 15 minute walk).
Useful website Visit the Broads
